Kids

The emotional journey in 'Kids' commences with a joyful recall of childhood – a time of unabashed curiosity and loud expressions of discovery. Listeners are immersed in memories of a past where the most significant concerns were minor, such as picking insects off plants without contemplating the repercussions. This evokes a sense of longing for a time when life was unencumbered by the complexities of adult decisions.

As MGMT's narrative unfolds, sentiments evolve, presenting a dichotomy between youthful cheer and the chilling awakening to adult realities. The warm yet shiver-inducing waters symbolize a new phase of life – one where even the birth of new life, a traditionally joyous event, calls out for attention amidst the din of life's ever-demanding nature. The memories are fading, mirroring the inevitable fading of childhood's clarity, replaced by the fog of adult obligations.

The chorus serves as both sage advice and a haunting reminder to 'control yourself, take only what you need from it.' It is here the listener confronts the core emotional journey: a struggle to balance the simplicity of a child's needs with the consuming desires cultivated in adulthood. MGMT challenges listeners to remember the 'family of trees' – perhaps a metaphor for community and environmental consciousness, or a representation of heritage and the oft-forgotten connection to one's roots, echoing the need for moderation in a world that encourages excess.

The repeating phrases in the chorus amplify the emotional plea for self-control, a refrain that becomes a mantra against the risk of losing oneself in the demands and desires of adult life. As the song draws to a close, the repetition of these lines underscores the enduring conflict between the preservation of the child within and the adult's adaptation to societal expectations.